A judge on Friday temporarily blocked an abortion ban in South Carolina, pending a review by the state’s Supreme Court.
The move by Judge Clifton Newman comes just a day after Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, signed the measure into law, which came into effect immediately.
The law, S. 474 or the “Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act,” banned most abortions after a heartbeat is detected, which is usually around six weeks of gestation.
There were exceptions for rape or incest during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy; as well as medical emergencies, or fatal fetal anomalies. Doctors found guilty of violating the law would face potential felony charges and up to two years in prison, as well as a $10,000 fine….